The New England Patriots added some much-needed stability to their offensive line on Thursday afternoon.

The Patriots and LaAdrian Waddle agreed to the terms in a one-year contract that will keep the offensive tackle in New England until the 2018 season, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

Waddle was one of three Patriots tackles to enter free agency this month, and retaining him or Cameron Fleming was of the utmost importance after left tackle Nate Solder chose to sign with the New York Giants.

Waddle, who joined the Patriots at the end of the 2015 season, now becomes the main candidate to replace Solder, at least in the short term.

The 26-year-old played well in relief of injured right tackle Marcus Cannon in 2017, although he dealt with his own injuries. He did not allow a single complement in 12 games (four starts), neutralizing players like Joey Bosa, Von Miller and Khalil Mack.

The Patriots signed former Seattle Seahawks tackle Matt Tobin last week to complete his depth chart in the post, which also includes second-year pro Tony Garcia, Cole Croston, Andrew Jelks and Jason King.

There is a great possibility that New England, which is currently the 31st overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, also uses an early selection in an offensive tackle.